(Option A) Consider Robert Nozick’s thought experiment of the experience machine. Compose an essay in which you address the question of whether it matters that you spend your entire life in the machine. To answer this question, consider a life that you consider worth living. Does it matter whether things actually happen? Or is it sufficient to merely have the experience. (Option B) Robert Nozick argues that he would not sign up to use an experience machine for life. While this possibility is remote for us, it could be argued that we have many technologies which function as local experience machines. Compose an essay or dialogue (approximately 1500 words) in which you address the following issue: Consider a type of technology that you currently use, and address to what extent this technology is analogous to the experience machine in Robert Nozick’s essay. Be sure to focus on features that are similar as well as different. Next, address whether you agree with Nozick’s position by considering whether his argument provides reasons why you yourself might wish to limit the amount of time you spend using your chosen technology. (For example, if you agree with Nozick, does this mean that you should give up your Netflix account?) Be sure to clearly state your own reasons. Finally, consider an objection that someone might raise against your viewpoint, and respond to the objection.
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